David Latham

The IPKat and Merpel were both shocked and saddened last night to receive tidings of the sudden death of David Latham, a partner in the intellectual property practice of Hogan Lovells International LLP and a well-known figure in IP circles on both sides of the Atlantic. A graduate of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, David was a great enthusiast for all things to do with IP; his enthusiasm was infectious, since it inspired many a young entrant to the legal profession to steer their interest towards the then-nascent field of intellectual property. A member of MARQUES, INTA and ECTA (the last of which he served as honorary legal adviser), he was a man who enjoyed participating -- and whose participation was very much appreciated. Our thoughts go out at this time to all David's family, friends and colleagues.

UPDATE: the IPKat has just received the following statement from David's firm:

Hogan Lovells senior intellectual property partner David Latham (58) died unexpectedly on Friday 15 February. He qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and joined the firm in 1986 becoming a partner just four years later in 1990. According to the firm: 

"Hogan Lovells is saddened by the loss of David Latham. He was a great colleague, a friend to many, and a highly-regarded professional who we all enjoyed working with.  

David was an IP specialist dealing with both agreements and disputes. He had a very broad practice including international trade mark and copyright protection and licensing programmes for existing products and new developments. He was a regular adviser to North American clients on English and European Union issues. He was a very well-known and highly regarded figure in the intellectual property world.

"David was a long-standing senior partner at the firm with significant international experience including managing for some time the-then Lovells New York office.

"Our thoughts at this time are with David and his family."